Typically, I've had my fill of zombie movies. Although classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead proved enjoyable, this category feels largely exhausted nowadays. Even the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has been gathering dust on my to-watch queue for months. But, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, succeeded in subvert what I anticipated and proved remarkably entertaining.
Superb Rhythm and Character Growth
Among the film's strongest strengths is its superb rhythm. It begins using a striking opening sequence in which a calm family party is violently disrupted when a vehicle plows into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like stranger stumbles out and begins attacking the partygoers. This dramatic scene is then succeeded by a look back, allowing us to see this household before the disaster occurred.
Unlike numerous undead movies, The Elixir actually gives viewers sufficient opportunity to get to know its main characters prior to the carnage ensues. We meet Nes, a married mother with a former close friend, Karina, has become wed to Nes' father—an obviously awkward dynamic. This has understandably caused a rift among the two women. We also see her sibling, Bang, described as good-natured but socially awkward, and who enjoys gaming with his nephew, Raihan. Nes' husband, Rudi, appears to have lately cheated on Nes. The family head consists of her dad, the owner of a well-known natural medicine company named Wani Waras, and he seems to care about just two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Unsurprisingly, this family reunion proves incredibly strained.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so invested with this household's issues and their interpersonal drama to the point I nearly forgot this was a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, yet in the end worked well. The Elixir dedicates a significant portion of the film depicting us the identity of every relative represents, and how they add to the overall dysfunction. This emphasis on conflicting traits enabled me to connect to the personalities sufficiently to be concerned for their outcome—a rare feat for this style which frequently presents characters just to eliminate them shortly afterwards. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as two-dimensional, expendable casualties for a horde of the undead to consume, thus it's a genuine shock once events finally deteriorate.
Reminiscent of Parasite
The initial sequences from the gathering and the multiple family interactions in fact evoke the film Parasite, a tale that masquerades as a Korean drama with somewhat morbid humor before taking a sudden turn toward "holy shit" ground. These early moments don't focus too heavily on comedy as Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into the setting before everything gets upended.
Original Infection Source
The film also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended lab leak or a type of bioweapon, the source for this contagious disease stems from a new sample of Wani Waras herbal remedies created by her dad. Although we do learn something regarding its origins, I wish the film devoted a little more time explaining how Wani Waras transitioned from a trusted purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal potion that appears to contain a highly contagious pathogen. Regardless of the limited background, the impact this condition produces on humans proves absolutely disgusting, which I appreciate. The Elixir's undead prove quick, freaky-looking, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This is a daring decision, but it works. The Elixir's physical effects and CGI also appear quite realistic, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better compared to the disgusting moments are the characters themselves. Of course, we see a few examples of dubious choices (as in typical undead film), but for the most part, Nes and her family are inventive and quick-thinking. They also don't hesitate to kick a zombie in the head, pierce it using a farm tool, or beat it over the head with whatever blunt instrument is available rather than freezing like a deer caught in lights as death nears.
Believable Familial Strike
The Elixir doesn't abandon its focus of familial discord once individuals start turning to the undead, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for everything! trope often seen in end-of-world movies. Obviously, Nes loves her family and cares about her spouse, Rudi, but it's also apparent she remains holding onto resentment regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household gets separated, they agree over the phone to regroup at a nearby spot. But when Bang admits he doesn't know how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive level of irritation toward Bang which has obviously been brewing over time. Nes is not perfect, and her relatives—with all their imperfections—feel authentic and understandable since the movie avoids attempting to push the idea that nearly dying immediately resolves familial strife. This makes the moments where these individuals do show gratitude for each other feel much more sincere.
Stereotypical Conclusion
Despite The Elixir's strong efforts to innovate, the ending must be said to be somewhat formulaic. The Elixir doesn't truly presenting some profound message about family or society, as well. Instead, it's primarily delivering frights. Yet these are effective frights, and because the movie gives each character sufficient space to develop and doesn't punish them for their imperfections, the outcome is an engaging and entertaining
